Written answers
Thursday, 18 December 2014
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
Departmental Programmes
Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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183. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the priorities in his Department for the remainder of the term of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49026/14]
Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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In addition to ensuring good governance in the overall operations of my Department, priorities in my Department for the remainder of the term of this Government are set out in the following three tables.
Programme for Government 2011-2016 - priorities for DJEI for the remainder of the term of this Government
Table 1
| Ref No. | Arising From | Commitment (detail) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5.5 | Programme for Government | Develop a National Intellectual Property (IP) protocol to give predictability about the terms on which business can access IP created in Higher Education Institutions and the wider digital sector. The IP Protocol was published in June 2012, the purpose of which is to help the enterprise sector to access the research undertaken in Ireland’s universities, institutes of technology and other public research institutions. A key recommendation of the report centres around the establishment of a Central Technology Transfer Office (ctto) to provide an effective interface between industry and the research community and to drive a world class technology transfer system in Ireland, ensuring it is responsive to the needs of both industry and academia. The ctto branded ‘Knowledge Transfer Ireland’, was launched on 28 May 2014 along with a website offers businesses a searchable database of research and expertise available in Irish HEIs and access to opportunities to license new technologies and IP as well as access to a range of practical guides and model agreements all of which will help businesses to engage with the research sector. |
| 1.5.6 | Programme for Government | Promote and support investment in technology research, development and commercialisation beyond basic research supported by Science Foundation Ireland, as well as removing barriers to innovation and accelerate exploitation of new technologies. The IP Protocol and Knowledge Transfer Ireland, referred to above, will support both industry parties and research performing organisations in making their commercial negotiations on the exploitation of new technologies and ideas faster, more consistent and more transparent. In 2013 SFI’s legal remit was extended to include applied research in areas of importance to Ireland’s economy to complement with its original mandate of funding oriented basic research. Extending the remit of SFI to fund applied research will also help bring the outcomes of research funded since the establishment of SFI closer to market. |
| 1.5.7 | Programme for Government | Target key technology areas and sectors where innovation can be applied including but not limited to high value manufacturing, advanced materials, nanotechnology, bioscience, electronics, photonics and electrical systems and information and communication technology. The report of the Research Prioritisation Steering Group recommended 14 areas of opportunity as well as underpinning technologies and infrastructure to support these priority areas which should receive the majority of competitive public investment in STI over the coming 5 years. Following publication of the report on 1st March 2012, the Prioritisation Action Group (PAG) was established, under the chairmanship and political leadership of the Minister for Research and Innovation to drive implementation of research prioritisation under the broader authority of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs. Action Plans to drive implementation have been developed for each priority area and were approved by Government in June 2013 along with a detailed Framework of Metrics and Targets drawn up to measure the outputs and impact of public investment in STI including the impact of research prioritisation. The first annual report tracking progress on implementation of research prioritisation was published on 4 July 2014. An independent panel has been appointed to report on the effectiveness of research prioritisation. |
| 1.5.8 | Programme for Government | Focus on the application of technological innovation in established sectors of the economy like energy generation and supply, transport, creative industries, high-value services and architecture and construction by identifying challenges, establishing priorities and developing strategies which specify necessary actions to transition to more innovative approach. See 1.5.7 above in relation to Research Prioritisation |
| 1.5.9 | Programme for Government | We will continue to promote Ireland’s full engagement with the ‘Innovation Union’ proposals issued by the European Commission in October 2010 as one of the seven flagship initiatives under EU2020 Strategy, with the specific aim of refocusing R&D and innovation policy on major challenges and at turning inventions into products. |
| 1.5.10 | Programme for Government | Establish a network of Technology Research Centres focused on applied technological research in specific areas, to be linked to appropriate higher-education institutions. The centres will accelerate exploitation of new technologies by providing infrastructure that bridges gap between research and technology commercialisation. We will initially establish 3 additional centres focusing on biotechnology, nanotechnology and high value manufacturing. Further centres from a number of other areas will be selected at a later time. Enterprise Ireland have established a network of 15 Technology Centres across a range of areas of direct relevance to enterprise research needs covering manufacturing & materials, cloud, analytics & learning technologies, energy, business processes & financial services as well as food & health. Over 300 companies are directly engaged with these 15 Technology Centres. |
| 1.5.11 | Programme for Government | Support the development of an International Content Services Centre to make Ireland world leader in managing intellectual property. A Feasibility Study was commissioned and finalised in January 2013. The study is still part of the deliberative process and consideration is being given to the findings and recommendations of the study in the context of development of broader FDI and Intellectual Property policy generally. |
| 1.5.12 | Programme for Government | We will pioneer within the EU a model of ‘fair use’ in European Copyright Law, like in the USA, which effectively permits the use of portions of a copyrighted work so long as the normal economic exploitation of the originating work is not undermined. This will allow internet companies and other digital innovators to bring their services to market. |
| 1.5.2 | Programme for Government | We will support our indigenous digital game industry by reforming R&D supports available to the industry, setting aside funding from Innovation Fund Ireland for a seed capital scheme for Irish digital gaming start-ups, introduce a digital media component to Transition Year programmes and promote Ireland as digital gaming hub. |
| 1.6.3 | Programme for Government | We will reform the Joint Labour Committee structure, beginning with the appointment of independent chairpersons to JLCs, who will retain a casting vote. Reform options will examine the rate of pay for atypical hours. |
| 1.6.6 | Programme for Government | A key part of reducing regulatory burdens is better communication to increase awareness of regulation. Making it easier for small businesses and start-ups to identify the regulations that apply to them is important. We have already developed and launched the www.businessregulation.ie web portal, which brings together in one place many strands of regulatory and compliance information applicable to business, along with links to supports for small businesses and start-ups. The functionality of the portal will be reviewed with a focus on enhancing access and information for small and micro businesses. Further, my Department has instituted a series of free business communication events called Taking Care of Business (TCOB), where business people can hear short presentations on regulation and available supports and interact with personnel from up to 30 agencies. Five events have been held to date and 1,700 business people have participated. Further events will be held in 2015. The Workplace Relations Reform Programme will deliver a simplified two-tiered structure, amalgamating the existing five Bodies and providing for a single body of first instance, the Workplace Relations Commission, and a single body of appeal, in effect an enhanced Labour Court. The Reform Programme will also provide a more efficient and effective framework for dealing with complaints and disputes and for enforcement and compliance generally. Significant progress has also been achieved to date in so far as the legislative, technological, structural, administrative and staffing changes required are concerned to underpin the workplace relations reform programme. The Workplace Relations Bill 2014, which will give legislative effect to the reforms, was published on 30th July, 2014. The Bill has completed Second Stage and Committee Stage in the Dail. Report and Final Stages in the Dail commenced on 12th November, 2014 and will be concluded at the earliest opportunity in 2015. The Minister aims to enact the Bill before end Q1 2015. |
| 1.7.1. | Programme for Government | We will implement a temporary, partial credit guarantee scheme that will provide a level of insurance to banks against losses on qualifying loans to job-creating firms to get banks lending again to industry and entrepreneurs. |
| 1.7.2 | Programme for Government | We will construct a €100 million Microfinance Start-Up Fund that will provide start-up loans and equity that draws funding from the NPRF and private institutional funds. |
| 1.7.3. | Programme for Government | We will support the development of a more dynamic, venture capital industry in Ireland by seeking to attract top tier venture financing and investment companies to Ireland, such as Silicon Valley Bank. |
| 1.7.4 | Programme for Government | We will work to promote a greater appreciation of the co-operative model as a distinct form of organisation, ensure a level playing field between co-operatives and the other legal options for structuring enterprise activities, and provide a conductive framework for the full potential of the co-operative model to be realised, including in areas such as child care, education, housing, energy retrofitting, environmental protection, transport and health care. This Friendly Societies and Industrial Provident Societies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill completed its passage through the Oireachtas on 9 July, and was enacted on 21 July (No. 19 of 2014). Parts 1-3 of the Act were commenced with effect from 28 July. Part 4 (Application of Examinership to co-operatives) will be commenced at a later date, following the drawing up of Court Rules (by the Courts Services). The responsibility of my Department lies in the legislative provision for co-operatives in general. Any initiatives to facilitate or promote the development of co-operatives in particular sectors, for example group water schemes, renewable energy or agricultural co-operatives, would be a matter for colleagues in the respective Government Departments. |
| 1.8.25 | Programme for Government | DJEI will seek to establish Ireland as a renewable manufacturing hub to attract international and domestic investment. It was envisaged that the opportunity to develop a renewable manufacturing hub would be greatly facilitated by the proposed Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the United Kingdom to facilitate trade in renewable electricity. The IGA did not proceed in 2014 and may be re-visited at a later date. |
| 2.8.10 | Programme for Government | On foot of the Government decision in 2012 to reform the system for delivery of State supports to micro and small enterprises, the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) were legally dissolved on 15th April, 2014 and 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) were established on the same day. Under the legislation the functions, assets and liabilities of the CEBs were transferred to Enterprise Ireland (EI). The LEO structure combines the expert knowledge of the former CEBs, the Business Development expertise of the Local Authorities and is overseen by the dedicated Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland. Prior to the establishment of the LEOs a Service Level Agreement (SLA) was agreed between EI and the Local Authorities in each Local Authority area. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation retains responsibility for policy and budgets. |
| 3.41.6 | Programme for Government | We will reform the current law on employees’ right to engage in collective bargaining (the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001), so as to ensure compliance by the State with recent judgements of the European Court of Human Rights. |
| 1.8.7 & 4.15.3 | Programme for Government | Regulations to regulate certain practices in the grocery goods sector, which came into force on 31 October 2014 will be introduced in 2015 following a consultation process which is being launched in December 2014 as provided for in the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014. |
| Programme for Government | The Department will continue to support Enterprise Ireland to develop entrepreneurship, growth, internationalisation and innovation within Irish-owned SMEs, with the aim of creating sustainable jobs across all regions of the country. |
Table 2
| Ref No. | Arising From | Commitment (detail) |
|---|---|---|
| 5.1.14 | Statement of Government Priorities | Since the introduction of the legislation to establish the 31 LEOs, the focus has been on development of customer service, continuity of services and installation of oversight structures. In addition, LEOs have delivered a very successful competition to find Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur which gave rise to over 1000 applications for investment in new business projects from people under 30 years of age. LEOs have also been engaged in many new actions emanating from the Action Plan for Jobs and the Entrepreneurship Policy Statement.The focus over the coming months will be to continue the process of embedding the network of 31 LEOs in every local authority by setting business targets, strengthened customer service, improved communications, and promotion of LEO supports, activities and successes. |
| 5.1.15 | Statement of Government Priorities | Implementation of the actions sets out in the National Entrepreneurship Policy Statement which was published in Oct 2014. |
| 5.1.23 | Statement of Government Priorities | Implementation of an Integrated Licensing Application Service |
| 5.2.1 | Statement of Government Priorities | We will establish a Low Pay Commission on a statutory basis as an independent body to make annual recommendations to the Government about the appropriate level of the minimum wage and related matters. |
| 5.2.13 | Statement of Government Priorities | We will prioritise the enactment of the Collective Bargaining legislation as approved by Government. |
| 5.2.14 | Statement of Government Priorities | We will complete the programme of reform and modernisation of the Workplace Relations bodies, including enactment of the Workplace Relations Bill, to deliver, for employees and employers, streamlined and efficient advisory, conciliation, mediation, resolution, adjudication, inspection and enforcement services within a single Workplace Relations Commission and enhance and strengthen the Labour Court. |
| 5.2.15 | Statement of Government Priorities | Study on the prevalence of zero hour contracts among Irish employers and their impact on employees and make policy recommendations to Government on foot of this. The Request for Tender was issued 17 November and the deadline for receipt of tenders was 15 December. Tenders are currently being examined. External consultants are expected to commence study in Q1 2015 and report in Q2 2015. |
Table 3
| Arising From | Commitment (detail) |
|---|---|
| Action Plan for Jobs | Delivering on actions arising for DJEI from Action Plan for Jobs 2015 and 2016 and working across Government on implementation of other aspects as appropriate. |
| Action Plan for Jobs | Enhance user experience and reduce compliance costs by technology enhancements and maximising e-business opportunities in the delivery of workplace relations services. |
| Action Plan for Jobs | Enhance the effectiveness of the Early Resolution Service in resolving disputes/complaints without recourse to costly adjudication or inspection |
| Action Plan for Jobs | Implementing the new Statement of Foreign Direct Investment Policy and new IDA Strategy |
| Action Plan for Jobs | Evaluation of the programmes of the enterprise agencies to ensure value for money of DJEI programme expenditure. |
| Action Plan for Jobs | Developing new opportunity areas including in Manufacturing, Data Analytics, Smart Ageing, Energy, Design and Intellectual Property Management |
| Action Plan for Jobs | Determining actions to improve Ireland’s competitiveness, working with the National Competitiveness Council |
| Action Plan for Jobs | Regional Enterprise Strategies will be developed to ensure that all regions have an opportunity to benefit from our economic recovery. While employment has increased nationally by 80,000 since the start of the Action Plan for Jobs process, the rate of progress across the regions is uneven. A series of action-focused Enterprise Strategies for the regions will be developed and rolled out on a phased basis, commencing with the Midlands and South East regions in early 2015. |
| Government Decision / Action Plan for Jobs | Ensuring implementation of the National Research Prioritisation Exercise |
| Government Decision | Establish national Health Innovation Hub to drive collaboration between the health system and commercial enterprises leading to the development and commercialisation of new health care technologies, products and services emerging from within the health system and enterprise. |
| The Government accepted the recommendation of the Global Irish Economic Forum to designate a year to celebrate Irish design and under the Action Plan for Jobs 2014, the Government agreed to “Develop and implement a work programme to deliver Year of Irish Design 2015”. | Year of Irish Design 2015 (ID2015) is an initiative with a national dimension - across all regions - to promote the use of design in business and to develop the Irish design sector, and an international dimension - to promote Ireland as a source of internationally competitive design and to promote Ireland as a creative and innovation-led economy. The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland will manage ID2015 on behalf of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, other Government Departments and their agencies. |
| Construction 2020 A Strategy for a Renewed Construction Sector Farm Safety Action Plan (2013-2015) Report of the Advisory Group for Small Business | Develop the application of the BeSMART for use in construction and agriculture. This free online tool has been developed to help small businesses meet their obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and will ensure that health and safety considerations are addressed in the economic recovery of these high risk sectors. |
| Arising from Governments Medium Term Economic Strategy | Developing a Medium Term Enterprise Policy to 2020 and 2025 |
| Expert Group for Future Skills Needs / Department of Education & Skills / DJEI | Advancing skills requirements of enterprise through the Expert Group for Future Skills Needs in areas such as ICT, in the Hospitality Sector- Hotels, Tourism and Catering, Marine and in Freight Transport/Distribution/Logistics Sectors |
| Expiration of SSTI 2006-2013 | Develop a new Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation for the period 2015-2020 to set the direction for science policy for that period |
| Arising from NCC | Undertaking a review of Insurance Costs. |
| Agency Rationalisation Programme | The Workplace Relations Commission will replace the Labour Relations Commission, National Employment Rights Authority, the Equality Tribunal and undertake the first instance functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal. An expanded Labour Court will act as a separate appeals body. |
| Other Work Programme Priority | Preparing a pro-enterprise and pro-jobs DJEI Pre-Budget 2016 Submission |
| Other Work Programme Priority | Developing a new Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy to 2020 |
| Other Work Programme Priority | EU trade and investment agreement negotiations will be a priority for DJEI in 2015, in particular, the negotiations with the US, as well as WTO negotiations, which will culminate in the 10th Ministerial conference in December 2015 |
| Other Work Programme Priority | In 2015, there will be a major programme of Ministerial-led Trade Missions to promote and advance the export growth and performance of Irish companies |
| Report of Sales Law Review Group | Publication of a new Consumer Rights Bill in Q1/2 of 2015. |
| Supreme Court ruling in McGowan striking down REA system | Legislate for a revised statutory framework to address the Supreme Court ruling. |
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